The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Philippine Senator Ronald Dela Rosa on charges of crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration's war on drugs [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Dela Rosa, 64, a former police chief and ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, faces charges alongside Duterte, who was arrested in March 2025 and remains detained in The Hague awaiting trial [1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9]. Dela Rosa led the Philippine National Police from 2016 to 2018, heading the anti-drug crackdown blamed for thousands of killings [1, 2, 3, 7]. He has denied any involvement in illegal killings [2, 6, 7, 8].
After the ICC warrant was unsealed on May 11, 2026, Dela Rosa took refuge inside the Philippine Senate building to evade arrest [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10]. That morning, he cast a key Senate vote ensuring Duterte loyalists secured leadership positions before moving into protective custody inside the Senate [2, 5, 9, 10]. National Bureau of Investigation agents pursued him inside the building that day, but he escaped capture by running through hallways and staircases [2, 5, 6, 10].
Tensions escalated on May 13 when gunshots rang out inside the Senate during the standoff, causing chaos among lawmakers and staff. At least one warning shot was fired by the Senate security chief, prompting people to take cover [5, 6, 8, 11, 12]. Around 250 protesters gathered outside the Senate building demanding Dela Rosa’s arrest, while about 500 riot police secured the area [3, 4, 5]. Dela Rosa publicly appealed for peaceful military and public support to avoid being arrested and extradited to The Hague, saying, "I am not appealing for violent support. I am appealing for peaceful support" and "Let us not allow another Filipino to be taken to The Hague" [3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Senate leadership declared they would only allow an arrest if ordered by a Philippine court, effectively blocking enforcement of the ICC warrant on their premises [3, 4]. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called for calm and stated no government personnel were involved in the incident, suggesting it may be an attempt to destabilize the government [3, 6, 8, 11, 12].
Early on May 14, Dela Rosa reportedly escaped from his Senate refuge. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Dela Rosa's wife confirmed the escape, but authorities had not disclosed his whereabouts [8, 9, 10]. On May 15, the head of Senate security was suspended for six months for firing warning shots and failing to prevent Dela Rosa's escape. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described the suspension as "preventive" and said, "Flight is an indication of guilt" [11, 12].
Dela Rosa said on May 11, "We will exhaust all available legal means so we will not be brought to The Hague" [2]. The Philippine Senate standoff remains active, with authorities continuing to seek Dela Rosa following his disappearance from the building.
